Investigating changes in low back pain experiences
Low Back Pain - Disentangling Trait-Like and State-Like Alterations
This study is trying to see how people with low back pain experience pain differently compared to healthy individuals by looking at their brain activity and responses during different pain situations.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Balgrist University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Zurich) |
| Trial ID | NCT06412484 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to explore the differences in psychophysical and neurophysiological responses in patients with non-specific episodic low back pain compared to healthy volunteers. Participants will undergo three visits, each representing different pain states: pain-free, clinically relevant low back pain, and experimental pain induced by a capsaicin patch. Assessments will include brain imaging, blood sampling, and various pain response tests to determine how pain experiences may vary based on the state of pain at the time of evaluation.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals with low back pain lasting more than three months, without serious underlying conditions.
Not a fit: Patients with major medical or psychiatric conditions, recent back surgery, or those with a BMI over 30 may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of low back pain mechanisms, leading to improved treatment strategies for patients.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on low back pain, this specific approach of comparing pain states through comprehensive assessments is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * German or English proficiency * Informed consent * Low back pain for more than 3 months * Low back pain clinically not attributable to "red flags" (e.g. infection, fractures, inflammation) * Fluctuating course of pain (with on and off pain periods). Exclusion Criteria (applicable to both groups): * Inability to give informed consent / follow study instructions (e.g. due to language problems) * Major medical or psychiatric condition. E.g. severe heart disease, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, rheumatic disorders, major depressive disorder, etc. * Symptomatic radiculopathy, manifested through motor and/or sensory deficits / or signs of nerve root involvement on lumbar MRI. * Back operation * BMI \> 30 * Pregnancy
Where this trial is running
Zurich
- Balgrist Campus — Zurich, Switzerland (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Petra Schweinhardt — University of Zurich
- Study coordinator: Petra Schweinhardt
- Email: petra.schweinhardt@balgrist.ch
- Phone: +41 44 386 57 24
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.